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PNP chief mans GenSan checkpoint, surprises motorists

By Edwin Fernandez

February 20, 2019, 10:55 am

<p><strong>ROAD CHECK</strong>. Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde inspects a passenger van in one of General Santos City's checkpoints on Tuesday (Feb. 19),  surprising the vehicle’s conductor. <em><strong>(Photo by PRO-12)</strong></em></p>

ROAD CHECK. Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde inspects a passenger van in one of General Santos City's checkpoints on Tuesday (Feb. 19),  surprising the vehicle’s conductor. (Photo by PRO-12)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde, made an unprecedented act of manning a police checkpoint here Tuesday, greeting motorists and assuring them that checkpoints are designed for public safety.

Accompanied by Chief Supt. Eliseo Tam Rasco, director of Police Regional Office 12 (Soccsksargen), Albayalde inspected vehicles using the plain view principle, shook hands and waved to motorists as they entered the city along one of the major thoroughfares here.

“Welcome, good afternoon ingat po sa biyahe (have a safe trip),” he said to motorists, majority of whom were surprised and amazed to see him manning the checkpoint along the highway in Purok Nalen here.

“I recognized him right away upon seeing him,” said Alvin Delgado, an employee who was on his way to work.

“Who can’t recognize him for we often see him on news in television,” Delgado added.

Manning a police checkpoint for about an hour was one of the activities Albayalde performed as guest of honor of PRO-12 in celebration of the 28th PNP foundation anniversary.

Speaking to the officers, men and women of PRO-12, Albayalde urged all police law enforcers in the region “to keep the same spirit of solidarity and dedication to duty,” especially now that the PNP is preparing to secure the mid-term elections.

“We must be true to our vows and remain faithful to the organization. We must wear our uniform with pride even as we must go the extra mile to make the PNP proud. This, I must say, would be the best tribute we can give to the PNP,” he said.

The PNP chief also hailed the performance of PRO-12 during the recent plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in Cotabato City and North Cotabato.

“I take this opportunity to commend and congratulate the entire PRO-12 family for the good work that you did during the recent BOL plebiscite,” he said.

Albayalde said he was pleased with the strong solidarity PRO-12 has developed and displayed with other police units in Mindanao, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, other security agencies, and local government units for the sustenance of peace and order in the region.

Albayalde, who was accompanied by his wife Cherry, also reminded all police commanders of the internal cleansing efforts that “must be pursued with greater resolve.”

“We are promoting stronger transparency and accountability as we hold all commanders accountable for their subordinates. But I want to underscore the fact that personal advancement will be promoted at all levels,” he said.

“Peace and order is always a work in progress,” Alvayalde said, adding that a police officer must be always on alert to serve and protect the public.

“We should not fail (them),” he added.

The PNP chief also graced the blessing of the newly-built PRO-12 Adoration Chapel and the blessing and inauguration of Gen. Santos City Police Station 1.

Before completing his visit, Albayalde also visited the General Santos PNP charging posts, day care center inside the city police office compound, and the Office of the Officers’ Ladies Club. (PNA)

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